Professional whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration and stains in as little as one hour for in-office treatment and about two weeks for a take home kit from your dentist. But sometimes, patients can experience tooth sensitivity following their procedure. The good news is that while this is usually temporary, there is still plenty you can do to help lower your risk and help your smile feel better immediately afterward. Here’s how.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening?
The outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. Though it is hard and durable, it is covered with tiny pores. These holes are what allow stains to enter the tooth and cause them to become stained and discolored. To remove this discoloration, your dentist uses powerful chemicals that infiltrate the pores and break the stains apart. Unfortunately, in the process, this can strip away some of the minerals that protect your teeth from sensitivity. Thus, if you eat anything hot, cold, or acidic following treatment, it may cause sensitivity until these minerals are restored.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
The good news is that with professional teeth whitening, tooth sensitivity is usually less severe and much shorter in duration than with over-the-counter products. That’s because the powerful chemicals your dentist uses work faster, thereby reducing your need for prolonged exposure. In addition to choosing the safer and more efficient way to whiten your teeth, you can also try the following to help reduce sensitivity:
- Brush your teeth with sensitive toothpaste for several days before and after your professional whitening procedure.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that is hot, cold, or acidic for at least two or three days after your treatment.
To ensure that your results last as long as possible, it is important to stick to a white diet, and avoid any foods or beverages that can stain your teeth, especially in the first few days after treatment. Choose foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, hummus, and dairy products that won’t leave behind color on your smile.
Remember, although it may not be possible to completely prevent tooth sensitivity following teeth whitening, when you choose professional treatment, you’ll likely experience less of this side effect while getting a bolder, brighter smile than you would with over-the-counter products.
About Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur
Originally from Manipal, India, Dr. Vidya earned her dental degree at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry in 2008 and has since then strived to continue her dental education through world-renowned organizations such as Spear Education. She places a heavy emphasis on patient comfort and providing the highest quality care possible. She is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, NJ Dental Association, Southern New Jersey Dental Society. To schedule a consultation for teeth whitening at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine of Marlton, NJ, visit our website or call us today at 856-596-4333.